Belt squeal question - 2000 Sonata

I've been having that loud belt squeal ever since the weather turned
cold and wet here in Southern Ontario. I took it in and had both belts
replaced, apparently they needed it anyway. It was fine for about a
week and a half but then it started up again. It seems mostly when I
have the front defrost on. When I turn the defrost off and just use the
regular heat, it will be fine.
When I bought the car one of the complaints from consumers (from the
Lemon Aid Guide) were noisy belts so do I have to live with this or is
it something else thats causing the noise?

 

It sounds like your alternator belt may be too loose. It'll tend to squeal
when a/c and other items are turned on.

If it's just a chirping noise, you may need to replace the belts to
eliminate it.

 

Thanks hyundaitech. I did replace the belts a couple weeks ago. I did bring
it into my mechanic and he did indeed tighten the alternator belt and the
squeal did go away.

By the way, is it normal for the AC light to come on, on the dash when I
turn on the front defrost?

 

yes its normal, ac assistes in drying out the air to clear the windshield

 

Not so much of a reply but maybe some encouragement. I am also in Ontario,
the GTA and I am experiencing the same problem with my 2000 Sonata 4
cylinder.
I used belt dressing (a spray) and the problem got worse immediately then
went away completely after a few days, unexpectedly it started up again
this morning.
I am going to replace the belts can any one give me some instructions and
a graphic on how to do this?

 

Have you looked on the Hyundai web site for the free on-line manual yet?
Look there and if you don't like what you see you can always go buy a Haynes
manual for under $20, or a one year subscription to All Data for $25.

 

Also check for any water leaks onto the belt from the water pump area.
I would also check the tightness of the belt again, the tightner is
kinda tricky, some mechanics don't do it right. But, I am thinking of
the Accent, perhaps the Sonata is diffrerent. Have you had the water
pump, timing belt replaced? Sounds like it's time.

 

Timing belt yes, water pump no, this car has been taking me to the cleaners
lately last time out was oxygen sensor.
Not sure I could stand the hit for a water pump but you are probably
right.

 

Bummer, it's best to do both at once, since they have ot remove the
timing belt to get to the water pump . also a good time to just
change all the belts too. Good luck!

 

Thanks, I used that belt dressing spray and there has been no noise for
about a week. I will do an inspection this weekend and check for leaks.
would the water pump trigger a "check engine" light?

 

Absoloutly not! And mechanics HATE that spray stuff, they have to
clean it out when they put a new belt back on, since belts have
multiple groves on them now.